Articles tagged with Gamma Ray Bursts
Astronomers have observed a new phase of short GRBs, powered by a compact object merger, revealing a hidden X-ray chapter of cosmic collisions. The discovery opens a new window for multi-messenger astronomy, demonstrating Einstein Probe's unique capability to uncover new classes of transient phenomena.
The US Naval Research Laboratory has launched the Glowbug-2 instrument to identify and localize cataclysmic cosmic events known as short gamma-ray bursts (GRB). The mission provides essential data for multi-messenger astrophysics, serving as a critical electromagnetic counterpart to ground-based gravitational wave observatories.
A team of researchers developed a practical method to align lobster-eye X-ray optics for space telescopes, enabling the detection of distant gamma-ray bursts with high accuracy. The approach was tested on a prototype structure and achieved precise alignment within five arcminutes.
A team of physicists at UMass Amherst has proposed a new model for black holes, the 'dark charge' model, which explains high-energy neutrinos and solves cosmic mysteries. The model suggests that quasi-extremal primordial black holes, with a 'dark charge,' could be the missing link in explaining the universe's fundamental nature.
A team of astronomers used multiple NSF NOIRLab facilities, including Gemini and Blanco telescopes, to study the longest gamma-ray burst ever witnessed. Analysis revealed that the event likely originated from a relativistic jet crashing into the surrounding material in a massive, extremely dusty galaxy.
Astronomers have observed a record-breaking gamma-ray burst that lasted nearly seven hours, challenging existing models for these events. The burst's unusual duration and properties suggest multiple possible causes, including the collapse of a massive star or the collision of exotic stellar remnants.
A team of astronomers has detected an unprecedented gamma-ray burst (GRB) that repeated several times over the course of a day, defying current understanding of these powerful events. The source was pinpointed to be outside our galaxy, with evidence suggesting it may reside in another galaxy, several billion light-years away.
Using a combination of telescopes, an international team studied the closest FXT associated with a supernova, tracing it to a 'trapped' jet that produced high-energy particles. The findings explain the historically elusive phenomena and mark a significant step in understanding cosmic explosions.
Researchers from The University of Osaka observed a rare phenomenon where lightning discharges accelerated electrons to near light speed, producing a gamma-ray flash. This study contributes critical data to understanding the mechanism behind these intense radiation bursts and their potential role in shaping Earth's atmosphere.
A new study finds that a millisecond magnetar could have triggered the flashes of GRB 230307A, an extremely bright GRB detected in March 2023. The observation suggests that the magnetar model is consistent with the features of the prompt emission and the long-lasting X-ray plateau.
The StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer will detect short-duration bursts of gamma-rays from neutron star mergers, providing fundamental insight into these extreme explosions. With an effective area four times greater than the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, it will increase the detection rate of EM counterparts to NS mergers.
The Einstein Probe mission aims to probe X-ray transient sources and explosive astrophysical phenomena, contributing significantly to astronomical research. The mission's sophisticated observational instruments will enhance the detection of sudden X-ray transients and monitor variability in known celestial sources.
Scientists have found that black holes inherit their magnetic fields from their parent stars, specifically the surrounding disk of swirling matter during collapse. This discovery resolves a longstanding mystery and opens doors for further studies of jets.
Researchers using NASA airborne platforms have found a new kind of gamma-ray emission, dubbed flickering gamma-ray flashes, that fills in the missing link between steady glows and brief bursts. These discoveries provide new insights into thundercloud radiation and mechanisms that produce lightning.
Astronomers have recorded hundreds of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in a massive global effort that rivals the 250-year-old Messier catalogue. The collection includes 64,813 photometric observations and showcases collaborative research across nations.
The NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center's Fermi telescope has discovered a unique emission line in the spectrum of the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded. This phenomenon was detected using data from the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope and provides new insights into the physics of gamma-ray bursts.
Astronomers have detected a neutron star spinning at an unprecedentedly slow rate, defying the typical mind-bending speeds of these ultra-dense stars. The object emits radio signals every 54 minutes, offering new insights into its complex life cycle and potential implications for our understanding of stellar objects.
An international team of researchers, including those from the University of Geneva, detected a giant magnetar eruption coming from a neutron star with an exceptionally strong magnetic field. The discovery was made using ESA's satellite INTEGRAL and confirms that magnetars are young neutron stars.
The brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever recorded was caused by the collapse of a massive star, according to Northwestern University researchers. Despite extensive searches, no evidence of heavy elements like platinum and gold was found.
Researchers developed a Kerr-enhanced optical spring to boost the sensitivity of next-generation gravitational wave detectors. The new design successfully amplifies signals without increasing intracavity power, opening up new avenues for unraveling the universe's mysteries.
Researchers have detected tellurium in a kilonova afterglow, indicating that neutron star mergers can create rare heavy elements. This discovery sheds light on the formation of elements heavier than iron and provides new insights into the universe's chemical composition.
A team from the University of Leicester will rapidly analyze gamma-ray bursts using satellite and ground-based telescopes. They aim to probe the physical forces behind these events, which can signal massive star deaths or neutron star/black hole mergers.
A new unified model confirms that some long-lasting gamma-ray bursts are created in the aftermath of cosmic mergers that spawn an infant black hole surrounded by a giant disk of natal material. The findings explain recently observed long GRBs that astronomers couldn't link to collapsing stars.
Researchers observed a gamma-ray burst from a kilonova, the collision of two compact neutron stars, using the James Webb Space Telescope. The data revealed the creation of the element tellurium, which had not been recognized before, and provided new insights into the formation of heavy elements in the universe.
Researchers detected tellurium and other essential elements needed for life in the aftermath of a gamma-ray burst, revealing insights into heavy element formation. The study provides valuable information about kilonovae and neutron star mergers, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the universe.
A team of astrophysicists at Northwestern University has successfully simulated the process of a black hole-neutron star merger, which is believed to have produced the unprecedented gamma-ray burst GRB211211A. The simulation reveals that the post-merger black hole launches jets of material from the swallowed neutron star.
A team of researchers, led by MSU's Mehr Un Nisa, used the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory to detect gamma rays emitted by the sun with unprecedented brightness. These high-energy particles, known as gamma rays, were found to be surprisingly abundant and have a energy level of 1 trillion electron volts.
A new MIT study reveals that analyzing brain wave patterns can help doctors determine when patients are at risk of entering a deeper state of unconsciousness during surgery. By tracking these patterns, anesthesiologists may be able to prevent postoperative cognitive impairments and reduce the risk of complications.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure moderately saturated sources of the Ultra-Violet Optical Telescope onboard the Swift satellite. GRB 220101A is the most energetic ultraviolet/optical flare ever detected, with a luminosity approximately 400 quadrillion times that of the Sun.
Researchers have found evidence of a demolition-derby-like collision of stars or stellar remnants in the chaotic region near an ancient galaxy's supermassive black hole. This suggests that stars can meet their demise in some of the densest regions of the Universe, potentially creating gamma-ray bursts.
Astronomers discovered a new way to destroy stars, generating powerful gamma-ray bursts in the process. The study found that stellar collisions in dense environments surrounding supermassive black holes can create these explosive events.
Researchers have found preliminary evidence supporting quantum gravity models that predict an energy-dependent reduction in speed of ultrarelativistic particles. This effect, expected to be small, has been observed in gamma-ray bursts and ultra-high-energy neutrinos detected by Fermi and IceCube telescopes.
The LHAASO collaboration has measured the complete high-energy light curve of a gamma-ray burst (GRB) for the first time, including its entire phase from rise to decay. This observation provides a perfect dataset for testing theoretical models and could remain one of the best results for decades or centuries.
Scientists observe a bright optical emission after the most powerful gamma-ray burst documented, providing detailed data on radiation across various wavebands. The study reveals that luminous phenomenon arises from high-energy charged particles in a rarefied medium with a powerful magnetic field.
Astrophysicists explain the Brightest of All Time (BOAT) cosmic explosion, revealing a narrow jet embedded within a wider gas outflow. The GRB's uniqueness was due to mixing between stellar material and the jet, masking characteristic signatures.
Researchers found GRB 221009A's jet exhibited a narrow core with wide sloping wings, differing from standard jets. This unique structure may explain the event's extreme energy release and prolonged visibility.
Researchers have detected a smaller black hole in the binary system OJ287 for the first time, confirming its existence through observations of 26 predicted flares and gamma ray signals. The bigger black hole weighs over 18 billion times the mass of our Sun.
Researchers detected prompt optical emission and its transition to early afterglow of a gamma-ray burst using the Ground Wide Angle Camera Array. The study provides unique data that constrains the characteristics of the progenitor, suggesting a small stellar mass.
The detection of GRB 221009A marks the most energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed, with a luminosity surpassing that of entire galaxies and hundreds of billions of stars. The event was followed up by space-based telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, which provided insight into its properties.
Astronomers analyzed data from numerous spacecraft and observatories to characterize the brightness of a gamma-ray burst detected on October 9, 2022. The burst, known as BOAT, was found to be 70 times brighter than any previously seen, occurring once in every 10,000 years.
The Swift Observatory team, led by Maia Williams, detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded, GRB 221009A. The burst was incredibly bright and had an afterglow that was more than 10 times brighter than any previous observation.
Astronomers have shed new light on the origin of gamma-ray bursts using the brightest ever recorded event, GRB 221009A. The study reveals a complex jet producing both visible and X-ray light, as well as unexpected excess millimeter and radio emission.
Scientists used Insight-HXMT and GECAM-C to accurately measure the brightness and energy released by GRB 221009A, which is 50 times brighter than previous records. The burst's isotropic-equivalent energy is about 10^55 erg, equivalent to 8 solar masses.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University have re-examined data on jet velocities and discovered that lower initial jet speed can explain perpetual emission, filling the gap between velocities. This finding changes the paradigm and proves that jets are formed in nature at all speeds.
Astronomers detected light patterns indicating the brief existence of superheavy neutron stars shortly before they collapsed into black holes. These mega neutron stars formed from the collision of two neutron stars and had nearly twice the size of a typical neutron star, spinning at nearly 78,000 times a minute.
A team of astrophysicists has successfully measured a gamma-ray burst's hidden energy by utilizing light polarization. The total explosion energy was found to be about 3.5 times bigger than previous estimates, shedding new light on the progenitor star's masses and the evolutionary history of the universe.
Researchers observed a gamma-ray burst that defied categorization, sparking an international investigation. The team discovered a kilonova, a smoking-gun proof of neutron star collision, which challenged existing theories on short gamma-ray bursts.
A recent astronomical observation supports theoretical modeling, revealing a new observational fingerprint of neutron-star mergers that may shed light on the production of heavy elements throughout the universe. The detection pushes our understanding of gamma-ray bursts to the limits and breaks the standard idea of these events.
A team of astrophysicists has discovered that at least some long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can result from neutron star mergers, contradicting the long-held belief that they solely originate from massive star collapses. This finding also sheds new light on the formation of the heaviest elements in the universe.
A GW PhD student's research on a long gamma-ray burst (GRB) has provided conclusive evidence that it was caused by the collision of two neutron stars. This groundbreaking finding challenges the scientific consensus and sheds light on the unique characteristics of GRBs.
Two independent teams of astronomers detected the unexpected hallmarks of a kilonova after a long gamma-ray burst, challenging the prevailing theory that long GRBs exclusively come from supernovae. The discovery was made possible by the proximity of the event and the sensitivity of telescopes like Gemini North.
The event challenged scientists' understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are the most powerful events in the universe. The burst's high-energy light and kilonova visible and infrared light were detected by NASA's Swift Observatory and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, providing new insights into how heavy elements are created.
Researchers discovered a long-duration gamma-ray burst that defied prevailing theories, leading to the proposal of a new model for its origin. The unusual burst was found to have characteristics similar to those of short-duration bursts, challenging current understanding of gamma-ray burst formation.
A recent gamma-ray burst has been identified as a kilonova, shedding light on the merging of neutron stars and black holes. The event produced an excess of infrared light and lasted about a minute, contradicting the typical short duration of such explosions.
A blast of high-energy light from a galaxy 1 billion light-years away challenges long-held theories on gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The event, detected by NASA's Swift Observatory and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, reveals that kilonovae triggered by neutron star collisions can also produce long GRBs.
Researchers believe a black hole suddenly began devouring a nearby star, releasing energy and creating the brightest ever recorded TDE. The jet's direction may be pointing towards Earth, causing Doppler boosting, and could reveal insights into how supermassive black holes grow.
Astronomers have detected the most distant black hole swallowing a star, with the event occurring one-third of its current age. The discovery was made using ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and provides new insights into these extreme events.
Researchers create most extensive inventory to date of SGRB host galaxies, finding 85% come from young, actively star-forming galaxies. The study also reveals more SGRBs occurred earlier in the universe's history and were spotted far outside their host galaxies.
According to new research led by the University of Bath, some short-duration gamma-ray bursts are triggered by the birth of supramassive stars, not black holes. This discovery may offer a new way to locate neutron star mergers and gravitational wave emitters.
Researchers using FAST monitored FRB 20201124A for two months, detecting nearly 2,000 radio bursts with polarization information. The study reveals a complex, dynamically evolving magnetized environment surrounding the FRB source, with features such as irregular Faraday rotation and oscillations in polarization.